Dr. Wayne Ewbank

Dr. Wayne Franklin Ewbank, 86, died Friday, Aug. 7, 2020, when he peacefully slipped into the arms of Jesus after a long struggle with heart and kidney failure.

Wayne was born Feb. 4, 1934, in Ludlow, Illinois, to Lloyd Francis and Lela Sarah Edington Ewbank. He was the middle child of nine siblings. He grew up on a small farm, where his love for agriculture started.

Wayne had a love for education and learning. He graduated from Martinsville High School in Martinsville, Illinois. He went on to pursue three college degrees, earning a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Illinois, a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics from Southern Illinois University and a Doctorate in Agricultural Economics from University of Kentucky.

Wayne launched his teaching career as a college professor at Southeast Missouri State University, where he taught economics for 33 years. During his tenure, he at one time served as the department head for Social Sciences. When asked once if teaching the same subject over and over ever got boring, he smiled and responded, "I suppose it would if I taught a subject, but I teach students, and everyone of them is different."

Wayne married Linda Fae Behner on June 23, 1962. Wayne and Linda moved to Cape Girardeau in 1964, where they built a home centered on God and love, raising two children. They celebrated 58 years of marriage in June. Wayne devoted his life to his family and friends. He was a gentle and kind Christian man committed to creating a safe home where one could learn, grow and seek all that God could enable. He was an encourager and had a great sense of humor, always having a quick twinkle in the eye and smile on his face as he delivered his witty comments. In addition to teaching, Wayne was a faithful servant to the Lord by serving as a deacon and a finance committee member for his church.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Ewbank; daughter, Susanne Ewbank (Charles) Jackson of Hendersonville, Tennessee; son, Kevin (Luan) Ewbank of McKinney, Texas; grandchildren, Kaysie Jackson (Joseph) Williams of Gallatin, Tennessee, Brendan Ewbank of Frisco, Texas, Emmalee Ewbank (Patrick) Webb of McKinney and Matthew Jackson of Hendersonville; siblings, Lois Smith of Marshall, Illinois, Carol Ann (Evan) Lycan of Marshall, Darrell (Carolyn) Ewbank of Murphysboro, Illinois, and Karen (Darrell) Propst of Terre Haute, Indiana; along with many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Ewbank, and sisters, Evelyn Ewbank Melton, Mary Jo Ewbank Stogstill and Lela Belle Ewbank Clapp.

Services scheduled for Friday have been postponed. Another announcement will be published once services have been rescheduled.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lynwood Christian Academy or Wayne Ewbank Endowed Scholarship at Southeast Missouri State University.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memories may be shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.